Calculators Allowed On Fe Exam

Verify NCEES compatibility and calculate your exam timing efficiency.

What is the Policy for Calculators Allowed on FE Exam?

The calculators allowed on fe exam represent a strictly regulated list of devices permitted by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). This policy is in place to ensure academic integrity and to level the playing field for all examinees. The primary goal is to prevent the use of programmable devices that could store formulas, notes, or communicate externally.

Who should use this guide? Every engineering student or graduate preparing for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam must familiarize themselves with this list. A common misconception is that “any scientific calculator” is acceptable. In reality, even high-end scientific calculators like the TI-84 or Casio Prizm are strictly prohibited because they feature graphing and programming capabilities.

Calculators Allowed on FE Exam Formula and Mathematical Explanation

While the NCEES doesn’t use a “formula” to approve a calculator, they use strict criteria based on hardware capabilities. However, for your exam strategy, we calculate “Time Efficiency” using the following derivation:

Efficiency Ratio (E) = T / Q

Where T is the total minutes available and Q is the number of questions. For the FE exam, this usually results in ~2.9 minutes per question. Choosing the right calculators allowed on fe exam can reduce the “Calculation Overhead” (Co), giving you more time for conceptual thinking.

Table 1: Key Variables in FE Exam Time Management

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Q	Total Questions	Count	110
T	Total Testing Time	Minutes	320
TpQ	Time per Question	Min/Q	2.8 – 3.0
Co	Calculation Overhead	Seconds	5 – 15

Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)

Example 1: The TI-36X Pro Advantage

An examinee uses the TI-36X Pro, which is one of the premier calculators allowed on fe exam. They face a system of linear equations. Because this model has a dedicated solver, they solve the problem in 45 seconds. Compare this to a basic scientific calculator where manual matrix inversion takes 150 seconds. The “Calculator Advantage” saves 105 seconds on a single problem.

Example 2: The Prohibited Device Risk

A student brings a TI-89 to the testing center. Upon inspection, the proctor identifies it as a prohibited device. The student is not allowed to use the device and must either take the exam without a calculator or find a compliant one immediately. This highlights the importance of checking the calculators allowed on fe exam list weeks before the test date.

How to Use This Calculators Allowed on FE Exam Checker

1. Select Model: Choose your current calculator from the dropdown menu to check if it is officially calculators allowed on fe exam.
2. Enter Question Count: Input the number of questions you plan to answer (default is 110).
3. Set Time: Adjust the total minutes based on your specific appointment duration.
4. Review Results: The primary status will show “APPROVED” in green or “NOT APPROVED” in red.
5. Analyze Timing: Look at the “Time Per Question” to gauge your required pace.

Key Factors That Affect Calculators Allowed on FE Exam Choice

• Solar Power: Most approved models include solar panels. Since the FE exam is long, having a dual-power source (battery + solar) is vital.
• Solver Functions: Models like the TI-36X Pro and Casio fx-115ES Plus include numerical integration and equation solvers which are essential for the calculators allowed on fe exam strategy.
• Input Logic: Some engineers prefer RPN (Reverse Polish Notation), leading them to the HP 35s, while most prefer algebraic input.
• Durability: The exam is high-stress. A calculator with tactile, reliable buttons prevents entry errors.
• Screen Readability: Multi-line displays allow you to see the original expression and the result simultaneously.
• Price: Most calculators allowed on fe exam are affordable (under $30), making it wise to buy a backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the TI-84 allowed on the FE exam?

No, the TI-84 is a graphing calculator and is NOT among the calculators allowed on fe exam. Only non-graphing, non-programmable calculators on the NCEES list are permitted.

Can I bring two approved calculators?

Yes, NCEES policy generally allows you to bring a backup as long as both models are on the approved list of calculators allowed on fe exam.

Is the Casio fx-991EX ClassWiz allowed?

Yes, the Casio fx-991 series is included in the NCEES approved list for 2024-2025.

What happens if my calculator is not on the list?

If you bring a device that is not one of the calculators allowed on fe exam, it will be confiscated before the exam starts, and you will have to test without one.

Are spare batteries allowed?

Policy varies by testing center, but usually, spare batteries are not allowed in the testing room. It is better to bring a second approved calculator.

Does the calculator need to have a cover?

Most centers require you to remove the plastic slide cover and leave it in your locker before entering the testing room.

Is the TI-30XS Multiview allowed?

Yes, the TI-30X series is approved. The Multiview is a popular choice for its display.

Why are programmable calculators banned?

Programmable calculators are excluded from calculators allowed on fe exam to prevent the storage of illicit notes and pre-programmed engineering formulas.

Related Tools and Internal Resources

• Official NCEES Calculator Policy – The definitive source for all exam rules.
• TI-36X Pro Detailed Review – Why this is the top choice for the FE Civil and Mechanical exams.
• Casio fx-115ES Plus Mastery – Tips for using complex modes on your Casio.
• FE Exam Study Schedule – A 3-month plan to pass the exam on your first try.
• Engineering License Requirements – A state-by-state guide to PE licensure.
• PE Exam Calculators – Are the rules different for the Professional Engineering exam?